ELYDIA builds an end-to-end pipeline for AI-guided discovery, plant-based large-scale production (chloroplasts) and preclinical validation of endolysins targeting S. aureus, E. faecium and P. aeruginosa. The goal is scalable, cost-efficient and sustainable manufacturing of “chlorolysins”.
Antimicrobial resistance is increasing worldwide, while the discovery of classical antibiotics is stagnating. Phage endolysins are regarded as precise antimicrobial proteins with strong potential, but their broader use has so far been hindered in particular by limited host ranges and the lack of scalable manufacturing routes.
ELYDIA aims to build an integrated pipeline spanning AI‑supported identification and rational protein engineering through to sustainable, plant‑based production and preclinical evaluation. The project is carried out together with strong partners: the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI‑MP) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME. Together, we combine complementary expertise in plant‑based production systems, the discovery and development of bioactive proteins, and validation in application‑oriented assays. Our focus is on clinically relevant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Enterococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The endolysins developed in this way could make an important future contribution to precision antimicrobial applications, for example in dermatology and wound care, nasal decolonization, respiratory infections, or biofilm management, as well as in veterinary medicine, food safety, personal care, and agricultural or environmental use cases.
ELYDIA – Plant-based endolysins for infectious disease treatment
May 2026 – April 2030
The project is funded by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Max Planck Society as part of the Fraunhofer-Max Planck Cooperation Program.
Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB